Dean P. Hoechst

Dean P. Hoechst, age 87, died on March 22, 2025 at Mapleton Community Home.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., on Friday, March 28, 2025 at Hosanna Lutheran Church, Mankato. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at East Lutheran Cemetery, rural Delavan. Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Livestream of the service will be available at: https://boxcast.tv/view/dean-hoechst-funeral-ka6cso2kgejeuzp2cazh.

Dean was born on January 14, 1938 at home to Palmer and Bernita (Kunz) Hoechst. He was baptized on February 13, 1938 and confirmed on June 1, 1952 in Minnesota Lake. Dean graduated from Minnesota Lake High School in 1956. On September 12, 1964 Dean was united in marriage to Lois Pieper at St. Pauls United Church of Christ in rural Minnesota Lake.

Dean started farming by Minnesota Lake, and later raised his family and farmed near Delavan. He drove semi for most of his life, primarily driving for Nordaas American Homes. Dean and Lois wintered for many years in Mesa, AZ where they met many dear friends. They had a passion to explore, and were fortunate enough to travel to many different states, and countries with family and friends. He enjoyed playing cards, attending the kids and grandkids events, entertaining with friends and working on the farm. He loved time spent with family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandson.

Dean is survived by his daughter, Dawn (John) Hengel of Minnesota Lake; son, Chad (Shannon) Hoechst of Minnesota Lake; grandchildren, Erica (Logan) Manska, Josh Hengel, Breckin Hoechst and Delaney Hoechst; great-grandchildren, Rory and Emmy Manska; brothers, Dale (Linda) Hoechst, Duane Hoechst; sister, Diane Sharits; sister-in-law, Marilyn Rauenhorst as well as several nieces and nephews.

Dean was preceded in death by his wife, Lois; parents, Palmer and Bernita; brothers-in-law, James Pieper and Steve Sharits, and sister-in-law, Deanna Hoechst.

The family expresses their sincere gratitude to the Mapleton Community Home and Ecumen Hospice for the wonderful care given to dad.